Episode 18 recap: Ji Yu Heng's Mother Hospitalized in Critical Condition
In episode 18, as Zhao Fang Gang was helping Rao Jing sort through her clothes, he accidentally glimpsed her nightgown, and an indescribable hint of intimacy flickered in his eyes. However, the perceptive Rao Jing quickly picked up on this subtle change, and with her trademark gentleness and wisdom, gently pulled Zhao Fang Gang back to the present moment.
Zhao Fang Gang knew deep down that he had developed feelings for Rao Jing that went beyond the ordinary. Meanwhile, Tu Xiao Ning was facing a major setback in her career - a project she had carefully planned ended up failing. While external factors were complex, Tu Xiao Ning first looked inward, acknowledging that her lack of in-depth research in the initial planning stages was one of the reasons for the failure.
Ji Yu Heng remained by her side, offering warm comfort and encouragement. While grateful, Tu Xiao Ning also recognized Tang Yu Hui's formidable abilities, and resolved to adjust her mindset, regroup, and face future challenges head-on. In the office, Zhao Fang Gang mentioned to Rao Jing that he had noticed Tu Xiao Ning seemed distracted and troubled lately.
Just then, the bank manager arrived with good news - he announced that Tang Yu Hui had been promoted to manager due to her outstanding performance. Rao Jing astutely picked up on Tu Xiao Ning's emotional shift, and to ease the tension, she deliberately recommended an upscale store to Tang Yu Hui.
On the other side, while Ji Yu Heng's colleagues were enthusiastically inviting him to celebrate, his heart was still with Tu Xiao Ning. He made an excuse to return, just to be by her side. Ji Yu Heng gently comforted Tu Xiao Ning, telling her that failure is only temporary and encouraging her not to dwell on it too much.
Tu Xiao Ning gratefully responded, telling Ji Yu Heng not to worry about her and urging him to go celebrate with his colleagues. Meanwhile, Tu Xiao Ning accompanied Ling Wei Yi on a shopping trip, during which Qi Yu called with the good news of his excellent exam results.
Seeing this, Tu Xiao Ning let Ling Wei Yi go meet up with Qi Yu, while she remained alone. After reuniting, Qi Yu and Ling Wei Yi went to the aquarium to celebrate, capturing many joyful moments together. When Ling Wei Yi woke up, she found Qi Yu had already gotten up early to go jogging. She playfully complained about being hungry, and Qi Yu doted on her, promising to prepare a delicious breakfast.
In the early morning, Tu Xiao Ning woke up, her gaze immediately falling on the sleeping Ji Yu Heng. She quietly asked if he was ready for the day, as today was the first time he would take her to visit his father's grave. Although she tried to compose herself, the news of Tang Yu Hui's early promotion to client manager weighed heavily on her mind, causing her unprecedented pressure.
She snuggled tightly into Ji Yu Heng's embrace, softly voicing her need for more time to gather herself. Ji Yu Heng responded gently, conveying his own helplessness and desire to assist her, though he knew his words were inadequate.
However, the waves of fate once again swept over them. Just as Ji Yu Heng was preparing to go with his mother to sweep the ancestral graves, he received the devastating news that his mother had suddenly collapsed at home.
The doctor's solemn announcement was like a bolt from the blue, informing them that Ji's mother's condition had reached the terminal stage, with cancer cells widely spread, and her life's flame about to be extinguished. Ji Yu Heng was heartbroken, but he still firmly asked the doctor to do everything possible. Faced with an upcoming business trip, Ji Yu Heng could only entrust the responsibility of caring for his mother to Tu Xiao Ning.
During this period, he immersed himself completely in his work, socializing late into the night, and even not returning home, all in an effort to shoulder more of the family's burdens. Tu Xiao Ning saw this with her own eyes and felt it in her heart. She quietly accompanied Ji Yu Heng, providing him with silent support and encouragement. Whenever Ji Yu Heng had a chance to visit his mother, he always carefully avoided her gaze, afraid that his fatigue and worry would affect her mood.
Tu Xiao Ning was well aware of Ji Yu Heng's recent exhaustion and pressure. She sympathetically urged him to take care of himself and not overexert. When faced with Tang Yu Hui's attempts to get close to Ji's mother by sending gifts and trying to manipulate Tu Xiao Ning, Tu Xiao Ning resolutely refused, demonstrating her principles and bottom line.
After work each day, Tu Xiao Ning would go to the hospital to care for Ji's mother. She patiently explained to Ji's mother about Ji Yu Heng's busy schedule and helplessness, hoping to alleviate her worries. At the same time, Tu Xiao Ning also silently supported Ji Yu Heng, even giving up an important project opportunity introduced by Zhao Fang Gang in order to care for Ji's mother.
Between Zhao Fang Gang and Rao Jing, a subtle affection had also quietly blossomed. He would always think of Rao Jing when drinking coffee and find excuses to bring her a cup, and this attentiveness and care brought the two closer together. However, Ji Yu Heng's heart was filled with contradictions and struggles.
He dared not face his ailing mother, fearing that his presence would only make her more sad and distressed, so he chose to quietly wait downstairs at the hospital. He longed for a perfect family, but reality was so cruel, and his mother's condition made him feel more helpless and desperate than ever before. Tu Xiao Ning waited at home for Ji Yu Heng's return, unable to understand why he was unwilling to see his mother.
When the two finally sat down to talk, their differing views led to a disagreement. Ji Yu Heng believed that earning more money could provide better treatment conditions for his mother, while Tu Xiao Ning felt that companionship and care were equally important. They each held their ground, ultimately parting on bad terms. But in this argument, their deep care and love for each other were also revealed.
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